Concerns over addictive design, agentic AI and security took centre stage as representatives from industry, policymakers and Hollywood shared their thoughts
MWC26: Regulation & Policy Roundup from Day 1
Usual gripes about Europe’s low ARPUs and over-regulation contrasted with operators’ optimism regarding opportunities presented by sovereignty and satellite
Revising the EU’s Cybersecurity Act
The EC aims to make vendor restrictions in the mobile industry binding across all Member States, with an eye towards also derisking fixed and satellite supply chains
UK: Limiting children’s access to smartphones and social media
The Government will consider the impact of legislation implemented abroad as well as the views of both parents and young people before determining its approach
BNetzA’s regulatory framework for copper retirement in Germany
Though the regulator is aligned with the Government’s prior recommendations, the EU’s Digital Networks Act may yet have implications for Deutsche Telekom’s eventual network shutdown
Event debrief: Back in the game? Europe’s race for digital leadership
The EC likened publication of its DNA proposals to unbottling a fine wine, although some in the telecoms industry do not appear convinced by the taste
€1bn licence fee refund in Italy
The Supreme Court has signalled an end to the long-running saga, concluding that the Government should not have continued to apply the charge post-liberalisation
Event debrief: Open Internet Turns 10: What's Next?
Given seismic change in the functioning and role of the internet, policymakers and industry are beginning to debate if and/or how net neutrality rules should evolve
China: Ensuring safety in the use of interactive AI services
As safety risks become more pronounced, the CAC is taking steps to regulate for the prevention of self-harm and the protection of children
Switzerland: Accelerating mobile infrastructure deployment
OFCOM is set to be given broader responsibilities for approving mast upgrades, streamlining current lengthy planning processes
